Staff Writer
Sarah Jones

Children of Men is a grim, yet awe-inspiring “what if?” story that dives into a scary future where men and women can no longer procreate.  Clive Owen, Julianne Moore and Michael Caine head the brilliant (and mostly unknown) cast. 

The year is 2027 and women have not been able to bear children for a little over 18 years.  The movie starts with a bang – literally – and doesn’t stop engaging the audience till the very end.

Although violent, the violence seems a necessary evil for this movie to illustrate a world ripped apart without children.  The youngest “child” in the world has just been murdered and any hope left seems to be lost.

Theo (Owen) is quite literally (although reluctantly) thrown into a project that may hold the last hope for society.  Julian (Moore) has come back for his help to get a Fijian girl to the mystical “Human Project” far away on the other side of England.

 England, however, is not as it is today. Thousands of people attempt to illegally enter the country, and the Government reacts in violence.  Even legal English citizens are in danger wherever they go.  With Jasper’s (Caine) help, along with the “help” of others, the deadly journey begins. 

Clive Owen is the true hero in this movie, with his perfect blend of humility, paternity, darkness, denial, and humor.   Michael Caine grabs the audience’s heart with his odd choice in music and quirky personality. 

Along with the veterans comes a brilliant cast of virtually unknowns.  Claire-Hope Ashitey is utterly amazing as Kee, the scared and vulnerable girl from Fiji.  Pam Harris leaves an image forever in the viewer’s brain as Kee’s caretaker, Miriam. 

Children of Men is full of moving and shocking moments that the audience will remember for a long time.  Without giving anything away, the most amazing and touching scene occurs at the end and shows the audience how something so simple and beautiful can end something so ugly and violent (although briefly).  The rocky camera shots during violent scenes enhance the apprehension without making one queasy, the landscape of London illustrates the destruction while giving it an authentic feel of the future, and even the colors of the movie give one a sense of despair. 

Overall, Children of Men is a must-see, very well done film.  Although it might not appeal to all, sometimes the best movies aren’t the most popular.